The battle to reinstate a trans-Pennine rail route in the north of England takes a step forward in October 2006.

The volunteer campaign group whose aim is to get the Colne-Skipton line reopened is hosting a one-day conference in partnership with Colne Connected ..... a market town initiative.

The Skipton-East Lancashire Rail Action Partnership wants the line to be part of the national network, linking the Aire Valley and Yorkshire to East Lancashire, Manchester, Preston and beyond.

The Colne Connected Conference is being held in association with the Skipton-East Lancashire Rail Action Partnership on Friday 13 October 2006 from 09.30 to 16.00 at the Stone Trough Inn, Colne Road, Kelbrook, Colne, BB18 6XY

Speakers include Brian Simpson of the North West Rail Investment Campaign, Ian Yeowart of Grand Central Railways and Jim Morgan of First Group. Local MPs David Curry and Gordon Prentice, and two transport consultants will also be speaking, together with Drew Haley of Northern Rail.

If you would like to attend, please send £20 (cheques made payable to SELRAP) to: Peter Nowland, c/o. Blackburn Diocesan BSR, The Olive Branch, St Anne's Church Hall, Wheatley Lane Road, Fence, Lancashire, BB12 9ED